School improvement is hard. It requires courage, vulnerability and a willingness to confront structural racism and one’s own internal biases. But patience with the process brings rewards.
How Black Communities Can Come Together to Support Our Youth This Summer
Too often, SummerTimeChi means kids aren’t safe. But undesirable behavior doesn’t make our kids bad–they’re bored. Our communities can create programs to keep kids safe and out of trouble. I’m starting one myself.
When It Comes to Pride in Their Neighborhood, Third Graders at Chavez Elementary Say It Loud!
At Chavez Elementary, third-grade teachers Ashley McCall and Lindsey Singer and their students capped the year with a joint project: the online magazine Dilo Fuerte/Say It Loud. The magazine, written in Spanish and English, features book reviews, poetry, stories and interviews from leaders and activists in Back of the Yards, across the South and Southwest Sides of Chicago, and around…
Chicago Board of Ed Will Post Agenda One Month in Advance, Translate Meetings into Spanish and Vote in Public
For years, Chicago parents and community groups have complained that the Chicago Board of Education makes decisions in secret, withholds information from the public and shuts out community participation and input. Today, the newly-appointed board, led by Miguel del Valle, announced a set of sweeping changes that will give communities more knowledge and possible input into policy. It’s a huge…
“Hard Work Is Paying Off” for Shoesmith and Principal Sabrina Gates
Sabrina Gates’ long career as a reading coach prepared her well for the work of leading Shoesmith Elementary.
At Columbia Explorers, Mentoring Keeps Excellence Consistent
For Principal Eileen Considine, leading Columbia Explorers has been a chance to come full circle. The story starts all the way back in 1994, when she taught at nearby Shields Elementary with a colleague, Jose Barrera, who was working as the bilingual coordinator. The two educators forged a deep friendship and working partnership. In 2001, when Barrera opened the brand-new…
Sandoval Elementary Steps Up Bilingualism and Gets Results
When Wilma David became principal of Sandoval Elementary School three years ago, she knew she needed to make some improvements. The neighborhood school in Gage Park had fallen to a Level 2+ — a mid-tier rating in Chicago Public Schools — so David and her staff got to work. Teachers were asked to look more closely at how individual students…
Principal Lindsey Robinson of CICS Avalon Wins Ryan Award for Closing Achievement Gaps
On Monday, Lindsey Robinson, K-4 Principal at Chicago International Charter School Avalon/South Shore, received the Accelerate Institute’s Ryan Award for exceptional school leadership. Robinson’s recognition comes with a $25,000 honorarium and the opportunity to share the secrets of her success with other school leaders. At CICS Avalon-South Shore, students have outperformed city and state averages on PARCC reading and math…